Hi. I have another question. I'm new to DCC and decoder installations. I'm having trouble with 2 Atlas locos, an SD9 and a GP9. I believe one had a short and fried the decoder. I believe the other decoder is fine. I removed the decoders, both TCS drop-ins and attached the frame halves. I put the locos on a DC test track to make sure they are running. I can't get either one to run in DC. Note the decoders are removed. The Multi-Meter doesn't suggest a short, but I can't figure out what else might cause this. I want to make a fresh start with the decoder installation. First, I need to be sure I'm starting with to properly running locos. Both ran perfectly prior to starting the decoder installations. Something has been incorrectly attached during this work. Thanks in advance for suggestions on where to look for the correction. Regards, Keith.
Keith, I assume from your description these are the latest DCC-ready SD and GP. In this case, the original light board needs to be reinstalled to make the motor contacts. The frame halves connect to the motor through the circuit board traces. Ensure the copper strips off the motor make good contact with the board whether it is the DC or decoder boards. Fortunately, you can send the faulty decoder back to TCS for replacement under their 'goof-proof' warranty. Register the decoder online with TCS prior to shipping.
Thanks Gary. I installed the original lightboards and now have dc power. I now know the motors work fine. However, when I test the loco with the multi-meter, I am getting a 0 read. I believe this means I have a short in the loco. This is happening in both locos. I have two of each of these locos. The other ones accepted the decoder, programmed and run fine in DCC. I have no idea what I have done wrong to cause the short in these two remaining locos. Much appreciated if someone can provide some advise as to what to look for and how to eliminate the short. I'd like to install the decoder with some degree of confidence, I won't fry it ! Thanks in advance for your assistance. Keith
Sometimes the little brass motor contact will touch the frame half, causing an instant short, and flambeed decoder. They will run great on DC, because all that happens then is a little extra connection between the frame and motor. Look closely at the motor contact strips, and make sure they aren't touching the frame.
I concur with bnsf971 - I made the same mistake with one of my MP15DC and fried an NCE decoder. :tb-mad: I'm extra cautious when fitting decoders to Atlas locos now
Thanks for your advise. I appreciate it. Both decoders are fried. Luckily for me TCS has a no questions asked warranty. Back they go. I managed to get 9 of 11 installed and running nicely. Not bad I guess for my first attempt at installing decoders. Keith.
That's a good percentage for your first eleven decoders. I don't understand why those TCS decoders failed. You must make sure that you must use Kapton tape to prevent the decoder from contacting the frame.
